Rock gardens recreate the beauty of plants growing in mountains or in the desert area.Rock gardens can be planted in almost any location using low-growing native plants.Plants that work well with Xeriscaping are found in the rock gardens.You can create a rock garden in your own yard with the proper planning and time spent.
Step 1: Choose a sunny location.
The area of your yard that gets the most sun is the rock garden.Pick an area that gets a few hours of sunshine if you don't have a full sun location.
Step 2: Don't shade from trees.
On a day when you are home, chart out where the shadows fall in your yard to make sure that you don't get shade.A large shadow may cover your desired spot when you are out of the house.If you live in a region that gets very cold, you should avoid areas that are prone to frost.If you want to have a rock garden, choose a spot that is least likely to freeze over.
Step 3: The area with good drainage is the one you should choose.
The water must be allowed to drain off in order to thrive.The plants that work best for a rock garden should not drown in poorly drained soil.You can build a raised bed if you don't find an area with good drainage.
Step 4: It's Weed.
Make sure your rock garden is clear of weeds before you start planting.You can use a weed killer.
Step 5: A base of broken rock or gravel can be spread.
You need about 15 centimeters of stone to support your rock garden.This stone will be covered with plants, topsoil, and selected stones.
Step 6: You have to sketch out your plan.
Your plants, rocks, and shaded areas should be included.If you are building a raised bed, use it in your sketch.You can choose a design that includes different types of plants with different sizes.Shrubs, flowers, mounded plants, and ground cover are great layers.Natural growth is more accurately depicted when you choose different types of plants and rocks.
Step 7: You can buy stones.
You can use any type of rock or stone.Pick a variety of sizes for the best results.It's important to buy smaller rocks to support your large stones.Rocks and stones can be recycled to save money.For more interest, use different sizes of stones.
Step 8: Sand can be used to outline your plot.
To recreate the designs from your sketch, use a light colored sand.The sand will help you place the heavier stones.
Step 9: There is a small area for the large rocks to be dug.
A small indention can be created with a shovel or trowel.If you want your large stones to be stable, you need to go beyond the base level of rock or gravel.You can create a resting place for your stones by removing a few inches of dirt.About 1/3 of the way down, the rock should fit in the ground.If it helps you determine how deep to dig, you can measure the rock.
Step 10: There are rocks near the inset.
You should put smaller stabilizing rocks near the indention you created before moving large stones.After placing the larger rock, some of the rocks may need to be moved.
Step 11: Take your large rocks and place them in a corner.
The large rocks can be moved with a shovel or crowbar.The smaller stabilizing rocks should be moved to help support the larger stones.
Step 12: Place your remaining small stones.
Place the rest of your stones in your plot based on the design you created.Do you know where you will be planting?
Step 13: A top soil should be applied.
Pick a top quality topsoil that will meet the needs of your plants.Your soil needs to cover at least one-third of the rock in order for your stones to be stable.You can easily add plants by keeping the soil between your stones loose.
Step 14: Compost should be added to the areas where you'll plant.
Purchase compost or make your own.Before you add plants, use it to enrich your rock garden.
Step 15: Perennials can be chosen.
Perennials will return year after year, making your rock garden resistant to the changing seasons.Perennials that are popular in rock gardens include rock cress, blanket flower, periwinkle, switchgrass, peonies, phlox, soapwort, coral bells, and hardy hibiscus.If you want the look of your favorite annuals, only add them to your garden a few times a year.As the plants succumb to the seasons, replant those areas.
Step 16: You should check your plant's hardiness.
Plants that can thrive in harsh environments are usually included in rock gardens.Plants that are strong enough to thrive should be included in your rock garden.Plants that are resistant to the weather are a good choice for your rock garden.The USDA plant hardiness guide can be found at http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/phzmweb/interactivemap.aspx.
Step 17: Purchase the plants.
It is possible to plant the plants in sections if you are working on a large plot.
Step 18: Don't let the plants get wet.
Plants should not be removed from their temporary pots.To wet the dirt, use a garden hose, flower pail, or cup.Depending on your climate and plant choices, how often you need to water your plants varies.After you establish the garden, you should not need to water it much.
Step 19: Plants should be placed in the pots before they are taken out of them.
Move the plants around until you are happy with the arrangement.If you put a larger plant too close to a ground plant, you will create a shady spot.
Step 20: Allow room for growth.
Plants will grow in both height and width over time.As you plant so that your garden thrives, plan for this growth.The plant dimensions should be on the informational card.Look up your plant online if you didn't receive this information.
Step 21: Take the plants with you.
Pull the plants out and shake the roots to get them ready for the transplant.
Step 22: Plants can be recovered with compost.
The soil around the plant needs to be kept stable.
Step 23: It is a good idea to apply gravel on top of the top soil.
You can finish your garden with a loose layer of gravel.There are any small rock mixture you can choose from.